How to Study for the SAT

Students have many options when studying for the SAT. They could hire a private tutor, sign up for classes, study alone, or take an online course. Our students have often asked us what the best way to study for the test is, or how we managed to get such high scores. The fact of the matter is, each student is different and each needs to find his or her own study method.For simplicity's sake, we have created a way for students to improve their scores based on what score they are starting from. It is absurd to think that someone with a 2200 would study the same way as someone with an 1800 or 1400. We've chunked the student base into four general categories.

1700 or lower

At this level, you can benefit from any form of guided prep. Self-studying will not produce results because you most likely do not understand the tricks behind the test yet. For you, private tutoring is effective, but not significantly more so than a class of 6-10 people. At the same time, private tutoring is far more expensive than classes. The best option is to sign up for a class.

1700-1950

You will be above average in all of the classes you take, regardless of which program you sign up for. Each hour you spend in class becomes less effective, as most classes will simply be reinforcing concepts and techniques that you already know. Hiring a private tutor would be a good investment to sustain score improvements.

Self-studying will produce results, but you will not improve as fast.

1950-2150

If you have above a 1950, classes will not be able to help you very much at all. They are a waste of time and money. Private tutoring and self-studying become the only effective options.

2150+

By this point, you know all of the concepts needed to ace the SAT. A private tutor will not be of much use to you. Your best course of action would be to take plenty of practice SAT tests until the four-hour marathon no longer fazes you.